The Summit Institute recently established a modern, spacious sports center specially-designed for the health and enjoyment of participants in Summit’s rehabilitative mental health programs. While the sports center is under the responsibility of the Summit Institute and open to participants in Summit's rehabilitative programs for the mentally ill, due to enthusiastic feedback and the center’s success, it is also now open to anyone struggling with mental illness in the greater Jerusalem community. The Summit Institute’s physical fitness center is located in Beit HaNoar HaIvri, as well as a number of satellite locations throughout the city. The Sports Center includes a spacious, state-of-the-art gym, swimming pool, fitness classes, sports clubs, martial arts classes, group sports activities, experiential health and fitness workshops, as well as workshops in nutrition and organic gardening.
The decision to open the Rehabilitative Sports Center was part of a greater campaign to promote exercise and long-term physical fitness among the mentally ill. Obesity and neglect of the physical body are common side effects of mental illness, in part due to medications that affect the thyroid gland and slow metabolism. Additionally, mental illness may lower awareness of grooming and physical health. The result is a blow to already-vulnerable self-esteem and an aversion to appearing in public.
As a result, the medical community strongly recommends physical activity. Physical activity not only slows weight gain, it also alleviates some of the symptoms of mental illness, improves overall well-being, raises self-esteem, and strengthens social skills.
Activities at the Sports Center
Physical fitness Tai Chi Street defense – self-defense, identifying situations and correct responses Hip-hop – rhythmic dance to upbeat music Aerobic dance for women only – experiential dance and physical fitness through music Pilates – improving day-to-day stability and functioning through a series of exercises that activate the right muscles for each motion and promote joint flexibility Yoga – physical activity focusing on movement, flexibility, and relaxation Motion – exercises that improve coordination, flexibility, and relaxation using the Elbaum Method Aerobics – diverse activities at various difficulty levels, to improve cardio strength and muscle tone Soccer and basketball – practices, games, and tournaments Tennis – beginners and advanced classes, taught by a personal trainer from the Teddy Stadium Tennis Center Gym – personalized workouts with a certified trainer Running group – a workout to improve cardio and overall strength Hiking club – one Friday a month, including a guided walking tour, as well as bike trips, picnics in nature, and more Experiential study activities Nutrition – a workshop providing a broad knowledge of health and nutrition. Private classes may also be scheduled with Yedidya Ein Yael – an organic community garden in the beautiful surroundings of the Ein Yael Living Museum. Participants grow vegetables and learn about health and ecology Additional Activities Ein Yael – an experiential work and study group that meets in nature, grows plants and vegetables, learns about organic food production, and takes part in community activities. The group meets in the Ein Yael Living Museum (next to the Malha Mall) Nutrition and healthy living – personal meetings with a counselor to improve quality-of-life
How to Register - You must first schedule an introductory meeting with one of the coordinators, Ma'in or Shari, after which you can start the activity!
Participation in classes involves a monthly payment of NIS 100 for all classes, if you have a rehabilitation basket - participation is free.
for an updated schedule Click here
To download a brochure about the Summit Sports Center Click here
The center's Facebook page: "Summit Sports"
for further details:
Adi Shorer
Director of Health and Sports Center
Phone: 054-3082888
Shari ben Hamo
The coordinator of the sports center
The home studio: Poalei Tzedek 2, 2nd floor, Talpiot
Phone: 055-9186707
A kind of Lichtenberg
Coordinator of the performing arts center
Maase Khosv 4, 2nd floor, Talpiot
Phone: 055-2770372
